Tomeka Thiam, wife of acclaimed artist Akon (legal name: Aliaune Badara Thiam), has filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The filing comes just days before what would have been the couple's 29th wedding anniversary, as they were married on September 15, 1996. Documents obtained by Billboard, and first reported by TMZ, confirm the legal action.

According to the divorce documents, Akon and Tomeka Thiam share one minor child, a 17-year-old daughter named Journey. Tomeka is seeking joint legal custody and sole physical custody of their teenage daughter. Additionally, she is requesting spousal support and is attempting to prevent Akon from receiving any spousal support from her.

The news of the divorce also brings to light Akon's previous public comments regarding his personal life. In a past interview with DJ Vlad, Akon addressed the topic of his family, confirming he has nine children in total: seven boys and two girls. He notably expressed enjoyment over the public's curiosity surrounding his marital status and children, stating, “I’mma let it stay a rumor. I like this. I like the fact that people are guessing now, I love it. I’m not confirming nor denying.” He added that online information about his family varies, from